Reality–Based Leadership: Ditch the Drama, Restore Sanity to the Workplace, and Turn Excuses into Results

Praise for Reality–Based Leadership

"Cy Wakeman deftly shows how Reality–Based Leaders embrace personal accountability and empower others to do the same. This is a dynamic, winning book that all leaders and managers looking to make their organizations outstanding should read!" John G. Miller, author, QBQ! The Question Behind the Question and Outstanding!

"I haven′t been so moved by a business thinker and visionary in years. Cy Wakeman′s message has been heard before that to truly succeed and grow, we have to check our egos at the door. But never has this counterintuitive insight been so compellingly argued as in this terrific book." Doug Smith, CEO, Ervin and Smith Advertising and Public Relations

"Cy Wakeman′s approach to Reality–Based Leadership is practical, relevant, and exactly what today′s leaders really need. This is definitely a must–read for every success–oriented leader and manager." Jeff A. Hurt, CEO, Southwest Credit

"Cy Wakeman is a brilliant storyteller and coach. She has a profound ability to tell a story that makes you laugh while at the same time cutting through your defenses to help you recognize your need to change. I have worked with Cy for years, and the lessons in this book have helped me create better organizations and a better me." Jason Lauritsen, vice president, human resources, Union Bank and Trust Company

"You can′t afford to lead your organization without this book in hand! Cy Wakeman writes with candor, humor, and unconventional wisdom about how we can be wildly successful." Amy Dorn Kopelan, president, Bedlam Entertainment Inc., and coauthor, I Didn′t See It Coming!

"Cy Wakeman′s book delivers a powerful message. The bottom line this is required reading for all leaders!" Russ Olson, president and CEO, Liberty Bank

Introduction: Calling All Leaders.

Part One Find Peace at Work.

1 You Are the Source of Your Suffering and That′s the Good News.

2 If You Argue with Reality, You Lose (but Only 100 Percent of the Time).

3 Would You Rather Be Right, or Wildly Successful?

Part Two Restore Sanity to the Workplace.

4 Lead First, Manage Second.

5 Play Favorites: Work with the Willing!

6 Change Is a Fact of Life Get Over It! How to Bullet–Proof Your Employees.

Part Three Lead Your Team to Results.

7 Opinions No Longer Count Actions Do.

8 Stop Judging and Start Helping: The Golden Rule of Teamwork.

Conclusion: The Reality–Based Leader′s Manifesto.

Appendixes.

Appendix 1 Alignment Survey.

Appendix 2 Self–Test: Managing Versus Leading.

Appendix 3 Feedback Frame.

Notes.

Acknowledgments.

About the Author.

Index.

Cy Wakeman is a dynamic, well–respected, national keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and trainer who helps individuals and organizations achieve stellarresults. Cy′s background combines four successfulbusiness start–ups with 18 years working and consulting in manufacturing, banking, government, high–tech,and healthcare. She is also an expert blogger forFastCompany.com.